Arizona Caregiver Coalition brings guidance, resources to Goodyear families

By Mary Goldmeer
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 Family caregivers gathered in the Georgia T. Lord Library community room for a new monthly program series designed to connect residents with information and support.

The evening’s program, “Supporting Aging Loved Ones: Practical Guidance for Families and Caregivers,” was led by the Arizona Caregiver Coalition, a nonprofit that works statewide to advocate for and assist people caring for aging or chronically ill relatives.

Founded in 2007, the Arizona Caregiver Coalition collaborates with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Area Agencies on Aging and other partners to connect caregivers with support services. Its mission is to improve quality of life for caregivers by linking them with tools, education and assistance while also advocating for caregiver rights.

The coalition partnered with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to deliver the talk, part of a broader initiative that brings experts into libraries to share resources for families navigating caregiving.

Such programs are vital, experts say, as more people continue to take on caregiver roles. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023, roughly 37.1 million Americans were providing caregiving roles, or roughly 14% of the country's population.

One of the major topics of the evening was respite care, a term that refers to giving caregivers a break. Respite can take many forms: a few hours of professional care, a volunteer stepping in, or simply time set aside for a caregiver to recharge.

“Respite can really transform the caregiving experience. Caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with that high level of demand. No one can give constantly without exhausting their physical, emotional, or mental resources,” said Katherine Steele-Watson, executive director of the Arizona Caregiver Coalition.

The program included detailed information on what services are available statewide. Coalition staff outlined:

• Respite vouchers that provide financial assistance for short-term care.
• The caregiver resource line, a toll-free number with specialists trained to guide callers through their specific situation.
• Workshops and training in areas like dementia communication, medication management and navigating insurance systems.
• Support groups across Arizona, including rural areas, with both in-person and virtual options.

“Respite is really unique to each caregiver. It can be just grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend, taking a walk, or doing an art class. What matters is that caregivers take the time to recharge,” Steele-Watson said.

Attendees were walked through the coalition’s referral process and were encouraged to take advantage of the organization’s partnerships, which include resources for rural communities that often lack direct services.

The program also highlighted the emotional realities of caregiving. Family members often juggle medical appointments, financial management, and household responsibilities while also coping with the stress of being the main advocate and practitioner for a loved one’s health.

“Caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with that high level of demand,” Steele-Watson said, noting that without rest, caregivers may compromise their own physical and mental health.

By introducing respite strategies, Steele-Watson said, caregivers can sustain themselves and their ability to provide care.

The session was not just about information delivery but also about building community. Participants shared their own experiences and questions, creating space for connection.

The caregiver program is part of a monthly series hosted by different organizations in partnership with the county. Future sessions will bring in experts from the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and state officials to discuss advance care planning.

The events are free and open to adults. Each aims to blend practical guidance with opportunities for dialogue between experts and community members.

Visit , mcldaz.org to register for the next session. Information about the Arizona Caregiver Coalition is available at azcaregiver.org.